By David Cornock

Better north-south air links in Wales have long been discussed

Political anoraks across Wales, who like to keep track of these things, are in their element.

The Queen's Speech at the state opening of Parliament paved the way for two Wales-only new laws.

The bills may not set the world on fire but this is a post-devolution record, with twice as many for Wales as usual.

It could get quite warm in that anorak.

The Transport (Wales) Bill will allow the Welsh Assembly Government to subsidise some air services, which could pave the way for flights from north to south Wales.

We can also expect a bill next year to create an older people's commissioner to fight for elderly rights, particularly for those living in care homes

The Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Bill is also expected confirmed the merger of three public service watchdogs.

The new public services ombudsman - or woman - will consider complaints about the health service, local councils, and the assembly.

This may not be the end of the excitement. This session of Parliament is likely to be a short one, with a general election expected within six months.

There could be another Queen's Speech next year

That would mean another Queen's Speech, which may also lead to several new laws for Wales, among them - if Labour win - a Government of Wales (Amendment) Act that would mean more power for the assembly.

We can also expect a bill next year to create an older people's commissioner to fight for elderly rights, particularly for those living in care homes.

Expect too a new law to tighten up the tourism industry by creating a register of all visitor accommodation.

Identity cards

That would leave just housing legislation to be delivered in 2006 to allow Welsh Labour to claim that Westminster had passed all the new laws needed to implement the party's manifesto commitments from last year's assembly elections.

Most of the bills in this Queen's Speech will apply equally across Wales and England.

One of particular interest is the Railways Bill. This will abolish the Strategic Rail Authority and, for the first time, give the assembly the power to shape local rail services.

In power the Tories spent 18 years resisting calls for a bank holiday on 1 March, although there is now sympathy towards the idea of replacing May Day with a St David's Day holiday

These elements of the speech may not make headlines outside Wales, but they should please the assembly government. At Westminster, the government's focus is likely to be elsewhere.

The controversial bill to pave the way for national identity cards is likely to be typical of the government's approach, focusing on personal and community safety. We can also expect a Clean Neighbourhoods Bill to crackdown (again) on anti-social behaviour.

Another bill will pave the way for a referendum on the European constitution, although this referendum is unlikely to be held before 2006, and certainly not before the next general election.

Opposition parties have used the real event to promote their own alternative speeches.

Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats would both legislate to make the assembly more of a parliament with tax-raising and full law-making powers. Plaid would, in the meantime, give the assembly the power to issue its own postage stamps - and keep the proceeds.

The Welsh Conservatives (and Plaid Cymru) would like to see St David's Day made a bank holiday in Wales. Alas, the Tories have yet to persuade their colleagues at Westminster to include a bill in their alternative Queen's Speech - which would be essential to deliver the policy.

In power the Tories spent 18 years resisting calls for a bank holiday on 1 March, although there is now sympathy towards the idea of replacing May Day with a St David's Day holiday.